Mount Seniors Speak of Their College Experience

Sadaf Sharifi

As the graduation day approaches, the Mountain Echo newspaper spoke to several seniors at Mount St. Mary’s University, asked them to reflect on their experience and learned lessons the shaped their college years and offer their advice for other undergraduates who are preparing for a life after college.   

For any senior, being involved outside the classroom plays a significant role in their life and their personal growth as students and individuals who will lead the next generation.   

Senior Dymon L. Hines mentioned that joining the U.S. Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program during his first year in college, became one of the most beneficial and influential part of his college journey.  

He said ROTC thought him discipline, dedication and hard work as well as preparing him for a life after college and a future career in the army. “ROTC showed me the hard times do not last forever,” Hines said. 

 He said that the program taught to give his all when things feel difficult, so when he looks back, he does not regret it.   

Hines said one thing he always wishes he had done earlier is being more social and meeting more people early on.  

Now that it is his final semester, he has shaped some meaningful friendships but he wishes he had more time to enjoy before his graduation. 

 His advice for other undergraduates is simple but strong; he said take time to breathe and understand that plans and goals may change overtime.   

Senior Anna G. Hsia mentioned that studying abroad in Florence, Italy was one of the most significant and impactful experience she had in her college career.  

Traveling without family and close friends made her feel nervous and scared but she said that this experience was a path for her to step outside her comfort zone and build new and lasting friendships while learning about new cultures and how to live by herself.   

Hsia said she wishes she had been involved in on campus organizations much earlier, including working with the Mountain Echo newspaper and working as a peer leader. 

 Because she is a commuter student, both experiences helped her stay connected with the main campus community.   

“College is one of the only times you can explore who you are,” Hsia said.  

She encouraged students to try everything and never be afraid of putting themselves out there to experience, explore and learn.  

Leadership opportunities at Mount St. Mary’s University also had a significant impact on shaping senior Tamiya B. Parker’s experience. She said when she became a resident assistant, it helped her develop her leadership skills, learn how to solve conflicts, and understand the meaning and importance behind building community.   

Parker said she wishes that she had been flexible to change more easily in her earlier years in college.  

This explains that growth often comes from the moment students feel uncomfortable in a situation. Her advice to students who graduate in the next few years is to focus on living in the present, feel and appreciate every moment rather than thinking about the past.   

“Your four years will go by quickly,” Parker said.  

She also mentioned that enjoy every moment and enjoy the people around you and enjoy the journey to the new experience you are about to gain.   

For senior Audrey C. Russel, her first semester as a college student was the most impactful semester in her academic and her future career path. Two significant courses, such as Media Writing and First-Year Symposium, were most influential to her decision to pursue a communication major while it helped her shape her professional interests.  

She also gave credit to faculty mentorship and her involvement in campus music programs which helped her with personal growth.   

Russel said she wishes she had been involved with the local Emmitsburg community from her early years in college when she had time, but she encourages other students to take advantage of liberal arts and their programs and events to explore their interests beyond their own majors.   

“Some of your best experiences will come from trying something new,” Russel said.   

As commencement day nears, seniors share a common message to all students faculty, and students and the community that college is not only about academics but it is one of the only places that people shape meaningful connections, grow their personality and discover new opportunities before they enter the next chapter of their lives.